I did yoga in Italy with my favorite wellness influencer: Inside the world of creator-led retreats
I'm nearing the end of my five-day Yoga & Content Creation Retreat at the 250-year-old eco-friendly farmhouse Masseria Specula in Puglia, Italy, where I made orecchiette from scratch, crafted ceramics with local artisans, tasted farm-fresh olive oil, practiced three kinds of yoga and hiked to see flamingos in their natural habitat — all documented in glossy, Insta-worthy photo shoots. The women I'm with are all influencers (or aspiring influencers), and we're all trying to do the seemingly impossible: unplug while being plugged in. Along the way, we've picked up swag from small, sustainable and women-led brands: mindfulness journals, Satya yoga mats, swimwear from Mimi Flamingo, clean hair care products and organic sunscreen.
According to Statista, the global wellness tourism industry is growing at a rapid pace and is predicted to clock in at $1.35 trillion in 2028. The newest travel agents herding hundreds of excited wellness enthusiasts to exotic sanctuaries? Influencers like Gdanski, who are inviting their social media followers to hop offline and meet up IRL with like-minded devotees for retreats dedicated to sweat, relaxation and community. And while the experience doesn't come cheap, many fans are more than happy to follow their favorite content creators to the ends of the earth.
So what does an influencer retreat entail? It all depends on who's hosting it — and what your budget is. Broadly speaking, participants can expect all the bells and whistles of a spa vacation, plus face time with their favorite content creators, many of whom are leaders in the fitness and wellness space.
Plus-size trainer and adventurer Kanoa Greene has led small groups hiking the Swiss Alps, surfing in Costa Rica, paddleboarding in Mexico and rock climbing in Colorado through Nakoa Adventure. As a creator, these trips offer the chance to bond in person with the community she's built, while helping them feel more welcome on any terrain.
'As we move forward, it's more important than ever for us to provide spaces to connect with community,' Greene tells Yahoo, 'but ultimately, [it's about] having safe spaces to exist and be ourselves without judgment and fear.'
Prefer your relaxation a little less rugged? Taryn Toomey, owner of the celeb-loved workout the Class, has been hosting her Retreatments — billed as a 'transformational, immersive wellness experience' that 'blend[s] mindful practice with deep rest, community and exploration in some of the most spiritually charged destinations in the world' — for 10 years. This October, guests will head to Peru; the $5,800-$8,100 price tag includes luxury accommodations; daily movement and meditation sessions led by Toomey herself; nourishing, locally sourced meals; wellness programming (e.g., longevity panels, hot/cold therapy, hiking and sacred rituals) and a welcome gift; plus a 30-day subscription to the Class Digital Studio. But act fast: There's already a waitlist to sign up.
For those looking for something a little closer to home, celebrity trainer Kira Stokes is the latest wellness influencer to partner with Canyon Ranch. Her upcoming all-inclusive wellness retreat in the Berkshires, Mass., this month includes four workout classes led by Stokes (who will also join guests for an intimate group dinner) and 'curated daily group activities.' The three-day retreat starts at $1,800, which includes $400 worth of spa credit.
Meanwhile, Katie Austin, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and creator of her own eponymous workout app, will soon be offering 10 followers a free ride to her Camp KA retreat in Palm Springs, Calif., this September. The itinerary is still being fleshed out, but guests can expect a mix of high-energy workouts, outdoor activities, healthy cooking classes and nightly events designed to spark real connection, such as campfire confidence circles, themed game nights and sunset sound baths — all at no cost to the attendees.
'There's something magical about bringing people together in person,' Austin says. 'This experience is designed to be more than a getaway — it's a celebration of the work we've all been doing on ourselves and a chance to deepen the connection we've built online.'
It's not only yoga teachers and fitness experts leading these getaways. Influencers across the lifestyle space are also inviting their communities to engage offline. Cookbook author and private chef Gaby Dalkin, better known as What's Gaby Cooking to her more than 1 million followers, took 30 fans on a luxury yacht trip around the Galápagos Islands in 2022; the trip cost $7,300 per person for nine nights and sold out in one day.
The following year, Brittany Allyn, aka ThirtyWaves, held a retreat in Marrakech, Morocco, for 18 fans of her 'MeMoon' movement, which encourages women to take solo trips celebrating themselves. Dubbed 'WeMoon,' the six-day adventure cost $4,000 to $5,000 a person for sunset camel rides, visits to a hammam (Turkish bath), a private riad (traditional Moroccan guesthouse) and more.
And Women Work F#%k*ng Hard — a group for career women founded by former Saturday Night Live producer Lindsay Shookus and Kristin Merrick — partnered with the luxury experiential travel company Mira in 2023 to offer their high-performing female community a space to slow down, restore and reconnect with themselves and each other in a deeper way. Enter a Costa Rican retreat that featured a 4 a.m. canopy climb and other programming 'designed to open, ground and expand each guest,' according to Mira founder Katie Giblin.
'Think less yoga and smoothies — more energetic shifts, local immersion and somatic programming,' she tells Yahoo. More all-inclusive trips are in the works, with a price tag starting at $5,500.
So what's compelling people to show up and pay for these retreats? For many attendees, it's about having a vacation with a purpose, in the company of the creators who inspire them most.
Sol Han of San Francisco is a tech operations manager who moonlights as a Pilates and yoga instructor. She was the first to sign up for the Riva Gdanski retreat I attended in Italy, drawn by the opportunity to learn the practitioner's 'creative process' firsthand. 'I had been following Riva for a little over a year and admired her stories and beautiful shapes she created, so I was thrilled she developed this retreat to share her knowledge,' she tells me.
For others, it was a mix of education and cultural engagement that got them to book. Private fitness trainer and travel adviser Natalia Kahn had never been to Italy before, and Gdanski's retreat seemed like a perfect fit. 'I was craving connection with like-minded women, and knowing that this retreat included mindfulness, movement and authentic Italian experiences in charming towns was a great way to take it all in,' she says.
Han says she's noticed more influencer retreats popping up on her feed, which comes as no surprise. Amid the rise of AI, 'real human connection is more valuable than ever,' she notes.
People are getting a lot more out of these retreats than some swag and a suntan. Some people are coming home with friends, business contacts and job opportunities. Giblin says many women who attended the Mira x Women Work F#%k*ng Hard trip have since built 'business collaborations, launched weekly virtual book club meetups and dinner get-togethers and continued supporting one another across personal and professional endeavors.' Shookus, meanwhile, says she 'came home full of possibility and clarity ... and feel like there is sparkle in the air again.'
Yoga teacher and writer Nicci Rothe, who had never posted an Instagram Reel before Gdanski's content creation retreat but is now building her social media following, left a changed woman. 'I grew a new confidence in myself, and I realized that I can achieve higher goals than what I've been setting for myself,' she says.
And there are just the simple mental health benefits associated with getting away. Research shows that taking a vacation as short as four days can boost well-being for 45 days after your trip. If that vacation happens to be a community-building retreat, therapist Rachel Wright points out, all the better.
'Connection, novelty and intentional rest are key ingredients for long-term well-being, and curated retreats offer all three,' Wright tells Yahoo. The right retreat doesn't just give you memories; it gives you momentum, she adds. 'By stepping away from the noise of daily life and into a space designed for reflection and genuine connection, people often return not just feeling recharged, but with renewed confidence, clarity and the kinds of relationships that continue to transform their lives long after the retreat ends.'
As I write this, it's been a week since my trip. Eventually, my tan will fade. The olive oil will run out. The algorithm will move on. But what stays with me isn't the content I created on the retreat — it's the contentment, and community, I found.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-a77-hotel-athens-ALISTMINAPOST0625-9973237fc0754714998acaa3d6a6dc6a.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This 4-stop Journey Along the Mediterranean Has Beaches, Castles, and Archaeological Ruins All in One Trip
Some of the most rewarding journeys don't involve crossing continents; they unfold along coastlines. The neighboring countries of Greece and Albania present a prime example. A trip to beach towns on the Ionian Sea, bookended by the country's respective capitals, Athens and Tiranë, offers a simple, perfectly-paced experience packed with history, gastronomy, and seaside relaxation. During the spring and early fall, travelers can enjoy mild temperatures, calm seas, and fewer crowds. Through decades of planning Mediterranean trips, I've found that this four-stop itinerary is the ultimate blend of coastal charm and cultural discovery. Here's how to do it. The entrance to A77 Suites in Athens. Start your journey in Athens, where the famed, millennia-old Acropolis offers a window into ancient Greece. See the Parthenon, visit the Acropolis Museum, and enjoy sweeping city views. Then, head into Psyri, a buzzy, creative neighborhood known for bold street art, independent shops, and bohemian cafés. If you have extra time, visit the Museum of Cycladic Art for a glimpse into the ancient Cyclades, one of the oldest cultures of the Aegean Sea. Where to Stay: The Dolli, a luxurious neoclassical property, or A77 Suites, a boutique hotel tucked into the heart of Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood. Where to Eat: The Zillers Rooftop Gastronomy for a sunset meal with Acropolis views, or CTC Urban Gastronomy to enjoy a contemporary Greek tasting menu on the terrace. For classic flavors in a more traditional setting, try Psarras Tavern or Kuzina. The Venetian Well bistro. Next, fly to Corfu, a lush Greek island in the Ionian Sea, unique for its Venetian, British, and French influences. Explore the Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage site, where pastel tones, quaint shops, and hidden gardens paint a storybook picture, and spend a day cruising along the coast to swim in coves only accessible by boat. For lovers of art, architecture, and history, don't miss the Achilleion, a palace-turned-museum that was once the private refuge of the beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Where to Stay: Domes Miramare, a stylish resort hideaway by the sea featuring private pools and contemporary Greek fine dining. Where to Eat: The Venetian Well for a romantic dinner, or Klimataria for authentic Corfiot cooking in a relaxed courtyard setting. Downtown Gjirokaster, Albania. Take the hour-long ferry from Corfu to Sarandë, Albania, where clear Ionian waters meet rugged cliffs and hills dotted with olive groves. There, travelers can find the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle; the Blue Eye, a striking 50-meter-deep natural spring; and, just outside the city, Butrint, an archaeological site layered with Green, Roman, and Byzantine history. For a magical day trip, visit Gjirokastër, nicknamed the "City of Stone" due to its distinct local architecture featuring stone roofs, and navigate picturesque cobblestone alleys to the historic Old Bazaar. Where to Stay : LaFe Boutique Hotel for stunning balcony views and a prime location just steps from the beach. Where to Eat : In Sarandë, enjoy fresh mussels, grilled seafood, and seaside seating at family-run Haxhi or cozy La Petite. In Gjirokastër, try Taverna Kuka for rich lamb stews, flaky byrek , and honeyed desserts. Tirana, the capital of Albanian. Wrap up in Tiranë, Albania's energetic capital. Spend an afternoon gallery hopping in the hip Blloku neighborhood, climb the Ottoman-era Clock Tower, and visit the National Historical Museum by the central Skanderbeg Square. To dive into Albanian history, head to Bunk'Art 1, a five-floor, Cold-War-era underground bunker that is now an art and history museum, and for sweeping views over the city, take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to the top of Dajti Mountain. As you wander the streets of Tiranë, keep an eye out for murals and public art installations—and make sure to try some classic Albanian street food, like crunchy byrek and sweet, syrupy Tulumba . Where to Stay: Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & Spa, an ornate, glamorous stay with a rooftop terrace and convenient proximity to the beautiful Grand Park. Where to Eat: Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, where Italy-trained Chef Fundim Gjepali combines local ingredients with modern style, offering both à la carte options and a tasting menu. Mina Agnos is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Greece and Eastern Mediterranean trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Agnos at [email protected] .
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-pool-miraval-berkshires-MIRAVALBERK0625-33a1a8f6f4454f5c8b95c500562c244c.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
5 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
There's an All-inclusive Wellness Resort in Massachusetts—and It Was Just Voted One of the Best Destination Spas in the U.S.
Miraval Berkshires was named among the best U.S. spas hotels in T+L's 2025 World's Best Awards. The resort, now part of the World of Hyatt family, feels like a sprawling Berkshires countryside estate on a 380-acre property designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Rooms are designed with restorative rest in mind; the cloud-like beds—a Miraval staple—are the fluffiest I've ever slept in. Activities run the full gamut of health and wellness and include exercise classes, animal therapy, meditation, and so much more. The inclusive package covers all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages, plus complimentary daily activities, spa access, transportation, and gratuities. Amid what felt like the longest winter known to humankind, I needed a break. A breakup, dreary weather, and general burnout had me searching for a reset—and it came to me in the form of an all-inclusive wellness getaway in Massachusetts' Berkshires. Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa is one of three wellness-focused Miraval resorts in the United States; the first location, Miraval Arizona opened in Tuscon 30 years ago, and Miraval Austin opened in 2019. The newest of the trio, Miraval Berkshires maintains the brand's holistic well-being approach that feels like a happy medium among health-focused resorts. It's not so regimented in its wellness programming that you're scheduled from sunup to sundown or feel restricted in what you can eat and drink (there is a bar here, and you can find a wide range of dishes for every palette). But if you're the type of person who finds relaxation in a stacked schedule and wants to eat as cleanly as possible while at the resort, you can do that, too. Daily activities—some included within the daily rate, some for an extra fee—include arts classes, workouts ranging from gentle to intense, meditation, hikes, and mental health–focused group sessions, inviting guests to design their own wellness adventure that meets their needs. For me, that meant a heavy dose of meditation (including a silk hammock sound bath), a class about conquering fear, an introduction to wheel pottery, and several workout classes, leaving plenty of time for treatments and relaxation at the Life in Balance Spa. The adults-only property is undoubtedly serene, tucked into the rolling hills of Lenox, Massachusetts. The hardest—but perhaps most restorative—part of my stay was adhering to the resort's no-phone policy. Cell phones are not permitted in the common areas, and I was embarrassed at first by how often I instinctively reached for my device, often out of habit more than need. It's a simple policy that forces you to stay present, something I greatly appreciated by the end of the trip when it was time to go back to endless emails and notifications. A sign telling guests where they can, and can not use their cell phones. Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure Throughout my stay, I met many Miraval loyalists, fans of the brand who have visited every property, some multiple times for an annual (or even more frequent) break. With such a dedicated fan base, it's no surprise our readers voted the resort among the best domestic destination spas in T+L's 2025 World's Best Awards. I went in curious and left a convert; in the months following my trip, my mom (who joined me) and I kept commenting on how good we were feeling—body and mind. Whether it was from our chakras being fully realigned in a bespoke spa treatment or from just devoting three days to doing things that made us feel good physically and mentally doesn't really matter to me—it did exactly what I hoped it would do. My time at the resort got me over my midwinter hump and feeling like myself again, and it gave me a newfound appreciation of the transformative power of a great wellness escape. Below, my review of Miraval Berkshires. Interior of a King guest room. James Baigrie/Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa One hundred and twenty-one rooms and suites are spread across the property, from 10 recently renovated guest rooms in the historic Wyndhurst Mansion to carriage houses and cottages. Cottage rooms are connected to the rest of the main indoor areas—including the Harvest Moon Restaurant, Life in Balance Spa, and activity and exercise areas—so you don't have to worry about walking outside if it's snowing or raining. I stayed in a cottage double queen room, which had all the typical hotel amenities (you can expect a simple, modern feel) plus a Tibetan singing bowl and meditation pillow. The best part of any Miraval room is the signature bedding, which truly feels like being swallowed up by a marshmallow—in the best way possible, of course. (The bedding is so popular, they even sell it so guests who fall in love with the ultra-plush featherbeds and comforters can bring a bit of Miraval home.) Some rooms and suites also feature a patio or balcony. The accommodations in the Wyndhurst Mansion have a slightly different, elegant feel to reflect their setting. Interior of the Tea Room. Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa When you imagine the food served at a wellness resort, bland salads and restrictive menus may come to mind, but that is not at all the case at Miraval Berkshires. Food and drinks (including all meals, snacks, coffees, smoothies, and more) are part of the all-inclusive rate, though there are a few exceptions we'll touch on below. We had all our meals at Harvest Moon Restaurant, the main (included) restaurant on property. The restaurant serves three meals a day, with options for buffets or a la carte ordering at breakfast and lunch and a nightly dinner menu. I had relatively low expectations before I arrived—all-inclusive resorts often have a reputation for serving less-than-stellar food—but I was very impressed by the ever-changing menus. Everything we ate was delicious, flavorful, wholesome, and often incorporated seasonal ingredients from local farms and producers (like a local cheesemonger and baker). You might think that dining at the same venue multiple times a day would get boring, but each meal had distinct offerings, perfectly portioned. For lighter snacks plus coffee, tea, and smoothies, The Roost (located right next to Harvest Moon) has you covered. And really, what is better than unlimited lattes and matcha? Snacks are available at the counter and in a refrigerator and include everything from granola bars to the best chicken salad I've ever had. The food was a highlight for us, and we didn't even have the chance to eat at the more upscale 1894 Restaurant inside Wyndhurst Mansion, available at an extra charge and only open for dinner Friday-Sunday (though fellow guests raved about their meals there, too). Unlike some other wellness resorts, alcohol is available at Miraval Berkshires, served in the restaurants and at The Roost's bar, but it is not included in your rate. Beer, wine, and craft cocktails are available and delicious if you choose to partake, but there are plenty of non-alcoholic options, too. Note that you will need to make dinner reservations each night; you can do this ahead of time or in the morning day-of at the Harvest Moon host stand. The Challenge Course is one of the many outdoor actives. James Baigrie/Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa Miraval is all about creating your perfect wellness experience, bespoke to your own needs and interests, so there's truly something for everyone. There are several opportunities to move your body however you like each day, including hiking, yoga, barre, high-intensity interval training, and Pilates, plus unorthodox exercise classes like cardio drumming (a personal favorite). There's mindfulness in many forms, from various sound baths (the sensory silk cocoon mediation was a highlight) to beginner-friendly gratitude meditations to pottery classes that take a hands-on approach to mindfulness. There are foodie-focused classes, like the Joy of Java, which dives deep into coffee, Champagne and oyster tastings, and even fermentation classes. There are physical and mental health-related group sessions that cover everything from love and compassion to navigating menopause to coping with fear. From astrology, tarot, mediumship, and past-life regression to chicken keeping and hatchet-throwing—there is genuinely something for whatever journey you're on. There is also golf, a ropes course, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, trails, and other on-property amenities. Each day offers a mix of paid (usually $50-$150, though some fall outside that range) and complimentary classes, and you have the opportunity to pay for private sessions with many of the instructors. The art studio is where guests can engage in creative activities. Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure This is truly a four-seasons property, and activities may change depending on the time of year you visit, so I highly recommend scoping out the daily activities calendar before booking. You can also chat with an Experience Planner after you book your stay to figure out which classes you want to sign up for. Classes do fill up, so I recommend booking as early as possible. You can pack your schedule as much or as little as you want; Personally, I aimed for at least one physical class, one mindfulness-related activity, and one other activity that caught my eye each day, with plenty of time for relaxation and meals in between, but you can structure your days however you see fit. You can always add more to your schedule if there is space, but know that you cannot arrive late to any class. The Women's Lounge at the resorts spa. James Baigrie/Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa Treatments at the Life in Balance Spa range from traditional massages and facials to unique-to-Miraval experiences that incorporate all the senses. There are Ayurveda-influenced treatments, Thai massages, reiki, and bodywork done in hanging silks or pools of water, just to name a few. There are also salon and nail services and a menu of prenatal options. The spa itself is beautiful, with co-ed relaxation areas (including an indoor/outdoor pool and a hot tub) and gender-separated areas with steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs across the nearly 30,000-square-foot space. The spa is of course a huge draw here, so we recommend making an appointment early so you can ensure you get the treatment and time slot you want. Guests must be 18 and up to stay at the resort. Couches sit around a cozy fireplace. Scott Barrow/Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa ADA rooms are available, and public areas including restaurants, the swimming pool, and the spa are accessible. All Miraval resorts share a commitment to sustainability that includes providing guests with refillable water bottles when they arrive (they can refill at stations throughout the property), caring for rescued animals, using eco-friendly single-use food products, and more. Miraval Berkshires uses an onsite Bokashi composting system. Scenic view of the grounds at Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa in Lenox, Massachusetts. James Baigrie/Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa Miraval Berkshires is located in Lenox, Massachusetts. If you're not driving, take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to and from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut (about 75 minutes away) or Wassaic Train Station (about 70 minutes away). Later this year, the resort will discontinue Wassaic service and instead offer complimentary transportation to and from the Hudson Amtrak station (about 50 minutes away) for those traveling by train from New York City or nearby areas. I took the Metro-North from Manhattan to Wassaic (which includes one transfer), where we met our driver. You can also book a helicopter charter through the resort if you want to get there faster. Be sure to contact the transportation team a minimum of 72 hours in advance to schedule your shuttle. The patio of one of the cottage guest rooms. James Baigrie/Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa The standard Miraval Package includes all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a $175 nightly resort credit that you can use on paid classes, spa treatments, and more. The resort is gratuity-free, and there are a number of free activities each day. The Ultimate Wellbeing Package includes all activities, plus the $175 nightly credit. Miraval is part of World of Hyatt, so you can earn and redeem Hyatt points at Miraval Berkshires. It's also bookable via the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts portal. Amex cardmembers may receive property credit, room upgrades, and late check-in/checkout. Nightly rates at Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa start from $679. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Travel Weekly
14 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Celebrity Xcel's Bora will cater to brunch and date nights
Bora, an alfresco rooftop venue, will serve brunch onboard the Celebrity Xcel. It's a first for the line, as it looks to erase the boundaries between ship and shore. And in true brunch style, Bora will feature an over-the-top bloody mary bar, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of classic brunch favorites with a Mediterranean flair. In the evening, Bora will transition to a romantic rooftop restaurant designed for guests who want to dress up for a date night and dine under the stars. Bora is the second of seven culinary spaces the line has announced for the Celebrity Xcel. It is a specialty restaurant, and pricing is not yet available. Wild mushroom toast, feta, figs, Manuka honey and pickled onions served for brunch. Photo Credit: Gwen Pratesi Alfresco dining with Med in mind Bora will take the place of the Rooftop Garden Grill adjacent to the Rooftop Garden on the Edge-class ships. During a preview of Bora on the Celebrity Beyond, guests were mentally (unfortunately not physically) whisked away to the Greek Isles. Surrounded by vibrant pink bougainvillea and Santorini-inspired blue-and-white decor, Bora came to life with roaming musicians, street artists and lively music. Before we sat down for brunch, we were treated to a selection of Mediterranean-style appetizers, featuring an olive oil tasting with varietals from Italy, Greece and Spain. These were paired with a choice of several cocktails, including a classic Aperol spritz. The bloody mary bar, which Celebrity is touting as "the best at sea," offered an impressive selection of garnishes, with creative toppings like bacon doughnuts, cheese and charcuterie skewers, crispy bacon with Tajin spice, snow crab legs, mini grilled cheese sandwiches and barbecue-glazed meatballs. For bloody mary purists, there were mild and spicy versions (with or without Clamato) and traditional garnishes such as fresh and pickled vegetables and cocktail olives. At the end of brunch, there was a rousing moment when crew members danced and paraded through the restaurant, waving their napkins in the air to the popular Italian song "Bella Ciao." Guests joined in on the fun. Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge at the line's Bora event on the Celebrity Beyond. Photo Credit: Gwen Pratesi Dishes creative and familiar The menu, which is still evolving, was developed over the last 10 months by Sidney Semedo, Celebrity's senior director of culinary operations, and his team. Semedo said Bora was designed to evoke a feeling of being in the Med (and it does) with its food, presentation, staff, decor and entertainment. The restaurant will be "elegant, yet approachable and sophisticated, yet familiar," he said. Bora's menu also features opportunities for culinary exploration. Shakshuka, a dish with origins in North Africa, is a perfect example, with eggs poached in a cumin-seasoned tomato sauce served with avocado and sourdough toast. Two shareable plates on the brunch menu included lamb kofta with tabbouleh and wild mushroom toast. The croissant Benedict elevates a traditional breakfast sandwich with lemon-scented gravlax, ricotta spread and beetroot powder. But guests will still find familiar breakfast favorites, such as decadent French toast and eggs and biscuits -- again, with a Mediterranean twist. As for timing, the brunch concept neatly fills the gap between traditional breakfast hours and the traditional lunch selections that you'd find at the buffet or at the poolside Mast Grill. Couples can sleep in late (after all, it is a vacation), linger longer in their cabins or enjoy coffee on the balcony before heading up to the rooftop for brunch. On the menu at night In the evenings, Bora will become an intimate dinner setting with chef-led, tableside presentations. While Bora's brunch offerings are mostly individual and Instagrammable dishes, there's an emphasis on communal dining at night, where guests can order individual plates or a selection of shareable dishes. Specialties at Bora will include lamb tagine with saffron couscous and a selection of seafood dishes, such as seared branzino with garlic aioli, razor clams and carabinero prawns. Guests can also expect to be serenaded with Italian love songs and Greek ballads during the meal.
